TWO men arrested last year following the murder of 90-year-old Elsie Hughes are no longer under suspicion, detectives said yesterday as they renewed their appeal for help.

The 33-year-old from Buckley and the 38-year-old from the Ellesmere Port area were arrested on March 7 last year and released on police bail.

They are no longer under investigation and no longer on bail, police said.

Detectives said the inquiry into the murder continues and appealed for anyone with information to contact the police.

The retired school dinner lady was beaten, stamped on and left dying in a pool of blood at her council home in Abermorddu near Wrexham on September 8, 2005.

Yesterday Det Insp John Rowlands, who is leading the investigation, said: “My team remain committed to bringing the person or persons responsible for the brutal murder of Elsie Hughes to justice.

“Elsie was attacked in her own home and died as a result of the severe injuries she sustained.

“The support we have had from members of the public has been outstanding and we continue to appeal to anyone who may have information that has not yet come forward to do so and speak to us at Wrexham Police Station.”

“We continue to explore a number of lines of inquiry and again appeal to anyone who may be holding information to come and speak to us.”

Detectives can be contacted at Wrexham Police Station on 0845 6071001 (Welsh line) or 0845 6071002 (English line) or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.